The credentialing process of independent practitioners within a healthcare organization must be defined in:

The credentialing process of independent practitioners is fundamentally a component of the organizational governance that establishes standards for medical staff qualifications and practice. Medical staff bylaws serve as the foundational document outlining the rights, responsibilities, and processes related to the credentialing of practitioners within a healthcare setting.

These bylaws provide specific details about how credentials are verified, what qualifications are required, and the procedures for granting privileges, ensuring that all practitioners meet the necessary standards to provide safe and effective care. They are essential for communicating the organization's policies regarding staff qualifications and are a critical element in maintaining the integrity and quality of care delivered within the healthcare organization.

While hospital policies and procedures may include operational details on how the credentialing process is implemented, the comprehensive framework and legal authority for credentialing reside in the medical staff bylaws. Accreditation regulations and hospital licensure rules may influence or necessitate certain aspects of the credentialing process, but they do not typically provide the detailed governance structure that medical staff bylaws do.